Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

• 

  Good - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By TkSost - October 27 - 10:15 pm

  I think this is a great vehicle if you can afford the gas on it

• 

  Good Job Ford - 2005 Ford Freestyle
  By mikeg7 - October 26 - 3:40 pm

  Have had no issues with the vehicle quality. With a full load of adults the vehicle seems to be underpowered. But with 2 adults, 1 kid and all of the child support devices (stroller, toys, etc.) there is no problem. Vehicle was damaged from a road side assistance. Incorrectly jacked the vehicle. Love the fold flat design on the 3rd row. Great design and very easy to use. We did not get the second row center console so that people could walk to the back without having to flip the 2nd row seats. There are already drink holders in the doors so you dont need that center console. I am 61" and 245 and have no issues sitting in the 3rd row Overall the perfect vehicle for us.

• 

  Great Multi Tasking Pickup! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By TNMan - October 26 - 9:07 am

  I bought my Ranger used. It was the basic pick up, no xtd cab, no 4x4, manual. It did have an awesome sound system. I love my truck. It does everything I have asked it to, and despite my abuse, it took it with no prob. My only complaint was that the rear window popped out because of the seat pressing up against it. Other than that, as basic as it was, it drove great in ice and snow ( as long as you didnt speed, and carried sand in the back bed . And never had a mechanical or electrical problem. Ford Tough is no misnomer.

• 

  So Disappointed!! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Oroville2 - October 25 - 6:08 pm

  Loved my last 2 explorers, wanted better economy and all the tech stuff the Escape offered. It is back in the shop for the second time in one week for a problem with the transmission disengaging while driving on the freeway. Pulled over and would not go over 10 mph. Very scary!! Said it needed computer update, but did it again 6 days later.Not sure about Ford quality anymore.

• 

  Great muscle car for the price....! - 2016 Ford Mustang
  By Lynn - October 24 - 12:12 am

  I had a 2010 Mustang GT I bought new, and was ready for a new car. Looked seriously at the highly rated Camaro SS, and also considered the Challenger RT. Really was in the mood for a change, instead of another Mustang GT. That said, found a great deal on a new 16 bright red GT, paying almost $9,000 less than I would have paid for the base Camaro SS. I know the SS is rated a little higher, is a little faster, etc, but for the price I paid, I am very pleased with the new GT. It has changed significantly from the 2010 model I traded in.... handles better, is quicker, looks cool, is much more planted on the road, and gets better gas mileage, even after adding 100 plus additional hp. For the price, I am very happy with the car. Its fun, looks great, drives great, and is way faster than I need to go!

• 

  This is my first Ford ever...Love it. - 2008 Ford Taurus X
  By nottafordguy - October 23 - 10:13 pm

  Just bought with 110k. Well I got rid of my mid-life crisis mobile (a Crossfire) to accomodate a dog and clients. I have a large boxer. She hates bucket seats so this vehicle didnt help in that regard (all six seats are buckets)...but heres an easy fix! I folded the rear seats down. I then duct-taped foam to three planks I got from walmart and wrapped in blanket material to match the vehicle interior. The planks fit over the ridge (where the cupholders are) so they are perfectly flat and sit without moving. I ran three planks across the width of the vehicle, covered them with a blanket and voila - dog bed. She has the most comfortable ride in the vehicle. This is a good ride all around!

• 

  Reliable Depandable Vehicle over 10 yrs. - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By cobaseball3 - October 23 - 6:00 pm

  Bought new for a family of five. Three boys under the age of 8. Salesperson was a complete tool but, the vehicle and service dept. of Ford Dealership have been professional and knowledgeable for 10 years. Been to many vacations (Disneyland, etc.) ski trips in Mountains and all over the country for baseball tournaments, etc. NEVER ONCE HAD A PROBLEM ON THE ROAD. A beast in the snow, and has been my wifes dependable everyday car for over 10 years (Current Mileage 168,000) and has been one of the best purchases I have ever made, of any product. Own 3 other Fords (F-150s) and I have had the same reliable service. Will Definitely purchase another Ford if same results as our Expedition.

• 

  Escape great with a few arghs - 2016 Ford Escape
  By MisterT - October 23 - 12:00 pm

  Great choice. Drives like a dream. This is the Titanium and has the 2.0 Eco Boost which is not on the list above. Voice commands (Sync) are confusing especially when using navigation. Tried to tell it to nav to Ojai. Got a reply that this was not understood. I had to pull over and manually type in Ojai before the nav would work. Not really a Ford issue but thought I would mention it. Great hands free rear door that is height programmable. Important if you have a low garage door. I am disappointed about the MPG. Not what was advertised but the Escape is still new and might get better. More expensive then I wanted to spend but overall it is a great choice for a smaller SUV. My wife loves it and after all isnt that what life is about?

• 

  Reliable, good snow vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CAJTBJ - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We frequently commute over snowy/icy Stevens Pass (WA State) during the Winter to get our mountain cabin. Our 02 Explorer has handled some pretty tough conditions easily (including a pretty rugged, snowy climb up our primitive driveway). We traded in our 97 Explorer for the 02. Though the 97 was fine, the new Explorers are a HUGE improvement. Much more drivable, comfortable, and safe.

• 

  First truck - 2001 Ford F-150
  By menchar - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I pretty much like everything except the gas mileage. Whoever "designed" the turn signal stalk should be fired - unless the steering wheel is centered +/- a few degrees, the turn signal detent wont hold. Ford lied about cooling package but when faced with lawsuit came up with a deal (I took the $100 cash).